Chevrolet’s Corvette C7, the latest model to bear this storied name, has one of the most well known engines in automotive history, the LT1 Small Block V-8. With a 6.2 liter displacement delivering 450 horsepower, this model Corvette promises to be the most exciting offering in many years.

Regular maintenance on a high-performance engine is mandatory and nothing is more important than regular oil changes. With the high heat and power output, thorough and unobstructed lubrication is the one thing between going down the road and waiting for a tow. Although one of the most important maintenance functions, an oil change is also one of the easiest. All it takes is a large pan (to catch the old oil), two wheel ramps to lift the Corvette, replacement oil, a new oil filter and two tools: a socket and an oil filter wrench.

Carefully drive the ‘Vette up the ramps to gain access to the underside of the engine. Once the engine is cool, go to the “back” of the engine underneath the car. Located there is a large square box with a hex-head nut. This is the oil pan with the drain plug. Place the large pan under the drain and remove the plug with the socket wrench. Allow all the oil to drain. While the oil is draining, use the oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter, a round container about the size of a soup can screwed into the engine. Once removed, install the new oil filter according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the oil below is drained, replace the drain plug and tighten. Add oil to the top of the crankcase. Follow the recommended volume and oil weight listed in the Corvette owner’s manual. Also, when doing an oil change is a good time to replace the air filter. The filter is located in a box on top of the engine near the front behind the headlights. Simply open the box, pull out the old filter and install the new clean unit then close the box. Be sure to discard all the oil and used filters according to environmental regulations.